Conophytum obcordellum subsp. obcordellum leaves

Conophytum obcordellum subsp. obcordellum leaves grow in small clusters of thickly succulent, inverse cones or cylinders with small slits in their flat, convex or concave tops. This fissure is all that remains of separation, indicating that this is a fused leaf pair. The opening in the leaf centre is where the flower appears in season, as well as the next season’s leaf pair.

The top of the leaf pair, between 1 cm and 2 cm in diameter, is pale cream, pinkish or pale green depending on moisture availability, the impetus for growth. Scattered spots in shades of dark to reddish brown or purple are present on the leaf top. These spots tend to form variable line groups. The dots also vary in size on the dull or shiny, hairless upper surfaces and do not extend down the leaf body sides.

The plant is summer dormant. This one was photographed in the Gifberg in October (Van Jaarsveld, et al, 2006; Frandsen, 2017; iNaturalist; http://pza.sanbi.org).